Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Terrorism is a global issue that has significant impacts on economies, societies, and security. Nigeria, as the most populous country in Africa, has been grappling with the Boko Haram insurgency for over a decade. This research project aims to assess the impact of the Boko Haram insurgency on Nigeria's economy. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques. The quantitative analysis involves examining economic indicators such as GDP growth, foreign direct investment, inflation rates, and unemployment rates before, during, and after the insurgency. This analysis will provide a comprehensive overview of the economic impact of the Boko Haram insurgency on Nigeria. In addition to quantitative analysis, qualitative data will be collected through interviews, surveys, and literature reviews to understand the socio-economic consequences of the insurgency. The study will explore how the insurgency has affected various sectors of the economy, including agriculture, tourism, infrastructure, and human capital development. Furthermore, the research project will investigate the government's response to the Boko Haram insurgency and evaluate the effectiveness of counterterrorism measures in mitigating the economic impact of terrorism. By examining the strategies and policies implemented by the Nigerian government, this study aims to provide insights into the best practices for addressing the economic challenges posed by terrorism. Overall, this research project contributes to the existing literature on terrorism and its impact on economies by focusing on the case of the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria. The findings of this study will not only enhance our understanding of the economic consequences of terrorism but also provide valuable recommendations for policymakers, security agencies, and international organizations involved in counterterrorism efforts.

Thesis Overview

Terrorism according to lodge is an illegitimate means of attempting to effect political change by the indiscriminate use of violence (Lodge 1988:5). Also Madunagu (2001:51) maintains that terrorism is “the use of violence to achieve political objectives”. The bottom line of the above definitions is that terrorism is an aspect of political violence. Since September 11, 2001, multiple attacks on the twin towers of the World Trade Centre and pentagon in the United States of America, terrorism has become a House Hold discussion in the world. Boko Haram according to Dr. Anslem Dilichukwu Omenma in one of his presentation at Caritas University political science seminar day, is traceable to the militia group called ECOMOG which enjoyed the patronage of top politicians in other parts of the northern Nigeria, began to patronize the group through budgetary allocations. TheBoko Haram group has affected Nigeria‟s economy badly most especially in the northern part.

According to a seminar presentation in Caritas University by Dr. D.A. Omenma (H.O.D), the Boko Haram Insurgents started as a militia group called ECOMOG, which have being sponsored by prominent politicians in the north – eastern states of Borno and Yobe during the build up to the 2003 general elections. Later, other politicians in other parts of Northern Nigeria began to sponsor the group they provided them with huge sums of money, provision of training grounds on the many mountains scattered in the northern region as well as protection against arrests by the Federal governments. (Omenma 2012:15).

The sects spokesman Abu Qeda in one of his confessions in 2012 stated that the Boko Haram sect started as a fundamentalist group officially called Ahlus Sunna Lid Dawatis Jihad but now popularly